Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size3 x 2 metres in 20 years
FoliageBlue-green leaves year-round (evergreen)
PositionFull sun
SoilPrefers acidic to neutral soil
Description
Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ is a beautiful small blue Spruce tree that makes an exceptional specimen tree. The chunky needles are vivid silver-blue, displaying their brightest colour when young. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Hoopsii will add a splash of wonderfully vibrant colour to your garden.
Known as a Colorado Blue Spruce, Hoopsii grows into a dense neat conical shape and is highly ornamental due to the stunning blue colouring. It is slow growing, reaching a height of 3m with a spread of 2m after 20 years.
Picea ‘Hoopsii’ is suited to moist, but well-drained soils (ideally neutral to acid). We advise keeping this Spruce well watered in dry spells to avoid needle drop.
AKA Picea pungens (Glauca Group) ‘Hoopsii’, Picea pungens ‘Hoopsi’, Blue Spruce Hoopsii, Colorado Spruce Hoopsii, Hoop’s Blue Spruce
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
